How to Start a Summer Camp with Day Camp Software - Part 1
Starting a summer camp is a significant undertaking, but with proper preparation, it can become both a profitable business and a meaningful contribution to your community.

Starting a summer camp can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Not only are you creating magical childhood memories, but you're also providing essential childcare services for working parents during the summer months. With profit margins typically ranging from 25-40%, summer camps represent a viable business opportunity for the right entrepreneur.
This guide walks you through the essential steps to transform your summer camp dreams into reality, addressing everything from business planning to marketing strategies.
Make your business plan as detailed as possible, especially if you'll be seeking financing. Banks and investors need to see that you've thoroughly considered all aspects of running a summer camp business.
Before diving into the exciting world of summer camp ownership, you need a comprehensive business plan to guide your journey and increase your chances of success.
According to research from Harvard Business Review, entrepreneurs who create formal business plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than those who don't. Your business plan should include:
TIP: Make your business plan as detailed as possible, especially if you'll be seeking financing. Banks and investors need to see that you've thoroughly considered all aspects of running a summer camp business.
Once your business plan is complete, it's time to secure the necessary funding. Starting a summer camp requires significant upfront investment, with typical startup costs breaking down as follows:
Expense Category
| Estimated Cost
|
Location/Facilities
| $15,000
|
Equipment
| $8,000
|
Insurance
| $5,000
|
Marketing
| $3,000
|
Staff Training
| $2,000
|
Registration System
| $3,000
|
Total
| $36,000
|
Most summer camp entrepreneurs secure funding through:
REALITY CHECK: Remember that while summer camps can be profitable, they're typically seasonal businesses. Your financial planning should account for maintaining operations or covering facility costs during the off-season.
The American Camp Association provides state-specific regulations for camps across the U.S. on their website, making it an excellent resource for understanding your local requirements.
Legitimizing your summer camp business requires navigating various legal requirements that vary by location. Here are the essential steps:
Most summer camps operate as one of the following:
The American Camp Association provides state-specific regulations for camps across the U.S. on their website, making it an excellent resource for understanding your local requirements.
TIP: Schedule a consultation with a business attorney who specializes in childcare or recreational businesses to ensure you haven't overlooked any critical legal requirements.
The heart of your summer camp is its program. This is what will set you apart from competitors and keep campers returning year after year.
When designing your program, consider:
SUCCESS FACTOR: The most successful camps deliver a balanced program that combines fun with skill-building opportunities. Parents want their children to have an enjoyable experience while also developing new abilities.
Need help organizing your camp activities? Amilia's program management features let you create, schedule, and track attendance for all your camp activities in one place. Book a free demo to see our program management tools in action!
Part two coming next week!